Tasmanians can help crackdown on arsonists

Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

Arsonists were responsible for nearly 500 deliberately lit fires across Tasmania last year, putting our community at significant risk.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said these criminal acts can have a devastating impact on our communities.

"Having your property set alight, such as your car, or part of your home, causes the victims significant distress and economic loss," he said.

"Setting vegetation on fire is completely reckless and exposes our communities to a significant risk of bushfires and loss of life and property.

"Tasmanians are disgusted by people who behave in this way."

Minister Ellis said the community can play a role in preventing and reporting incidences of arson.

"Arson is a crime and it will not be tolerated," Minister Ellis said.

"Our hard-working fire and emergency services staff and volunteers around the State work hard to keep Tasmanians safe and don't need to be putting themselves at risk because of the actions of irresponsible criminals.

"If you know anything about an arsonist then we encourage you to report it to Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers. Arsonists can have patterns of behaviour which you might witness, and should report.

"Your information could solve a crime and prevent further crimes from occurring."

If you see or hear something and wish to report it anonymously you can go to crimestopperstas.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.

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